Teenager arrested after claiming to have COVID-19, coughing on RCMP

A teenager in Flin Flon is facing serious charges after allegedly threatening RCMP by claiming to have COVID-19 and coughing on an officer.

The incident took place April 3 at around 9:30 p.m. as police were called to a disturbance on Second Avenue. Officers were told a 16-year-old male was on the street holding a knife and threatening a homeowner on the street. Police responded and arrested the 16-year-old. The male faces charges of uttering threats and possession of a weapon in relation to the first call.

The teenager was then transported to the Creighton RCMP detachment. On the way to the detachment, the youth, according to a press release from Manitoba RCMP, “began making threats that included references to COVID-19 and then forcefully coughed multiple times into the officer’s face. He was then arrested for assaulting a police officer.”

The youth was later released to family members. The 16-year-old is not believed to have tested positive for COVID-19. The officer who was coughed on is now self-isolating as a precaution.

“Our officers are focusing on education and are using discretion when it comes to enforcing measures related to COVID-19, however, we will arrest individuals who willfully disregard public health measures and potentially endanger others” said Manitoba RCMP Sgt. Paul Manaigre in a press release issued April 6.

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